Low Energy Home Working Towards Net Zero Rating

The Beverly Heights House designed by architect Shafraaz Kaba is not quite at a net zero rating, but Shafraaz is aiming to achieve this in the next 10 years. He also hopes to be the first of its kind in Canada. Well on his way, this Saskatchewan home can maintain a 16 to 22 degree Celsius temperature inside without supplemental heat during the winter when the outside temperature drops to -20 degrees Celsius. The ability to keep the home cool in the summer is as impressive and a large part of this is due to the thick and heavily insulated walls of the residence as well as the tall and narrow profile. The profile maximizes solar gain while the four layers of ROCKWOOL insulation holds the temperature constant.

The four layers of ROCKWOOL insulation are fitted between both an interior and exterior row of studs spaced to create 15″ wall cavities. The extra deep walls allowed the architect to design deep windowsills throughout the home.

The residence is located to take advantage of panoramic valley views of the North Saskatchewan River as well as the Edmonton city skyline located in the next province of Alberta, just west of Saskatchewan. With the deep windowsills throughout the residence, there is always a great place to sit and enjoy the panorama.

The deep windowsills are created with a simple drywall return for a modernist aesthetic while the wood ledge adds in a layer of natural elements reflective of the views beyond.

The residence is tall and narrow and very spacious. Creating a double volume space over the dining area with an upper level mezzanine looking down over it emphasizes the height of the home. The Kitchen, dining and living zones flow freely through the open floor plan, with the change of ceiling levels creating the only architectural definition between them.

The Beverly Heights House is built with low tech materials such as a reclaimed brick wall behind the fireplace to help retain heat and reduce temperature swings. Due to the thermal qualities of the ROCKWOOL wall insulation the fireplace is more for ambiance then heating. The residence also uses a 4.8kw PV system for power and solar collective panels to store energy. The goal of the architect is to continue to upgrade the energy standards of the home until the full net-zero standard is achieved.Rockwool International A/S

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